UAB's KyeRon Lindsay-Martin stole the show at Devlin Fieldhouse, leading his team to a convincing 82-69 win over Tulane. Lindsay-Martin's impressive double-double, consisting of 19 points and 12 rebounds, set the tone for UAB's dominant performance. The Blazers' victory was fueled by a strong first half, where they outscored Tulane 38-29, and a relentless second-half effort that saw them outscore the Green Wave 44-40.
Tulane's Rowan Brumbaugh did his best to keep his team in the game, finishing with 16 points and 6 assists. However, it wasn't enough to overcome UAB's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. Daniel Rivera added 17 points and 7 rebounds for the Blazers, while Jacob Meyer chipped in with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Asher Woods matched Brumbaugh's 16 points for Tulane, and Tyler Ringgold contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, but the Green Wave struggled to find a rhythm on offense.
The game unfolded with UAB taking control from the outset. The Blazers' strong defensive effort held Tulane to just 29 points in the first half, and they never looked back. Despite a stronger second-half performance from the Green Wave, UAB's lead never dipped below 10 points. The Blazers' ability to maintain their advantage was a reflection of their composure and depth, as they withstood Tulane's best efforts to mount a comeback.
With this win, UAB improves to 12-8 on the season, while Tulane falls to the same record. The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes. As a Quadrant 3 game for both teams, the result will be factored into their overall strength of schedule and performance. For UAB, the victory is a valuable addition to their resume, as they continue to build a case for a potential at-large bid. The Blazers' current net ranking of 119 will likely receive a boost from this win, which could prove crucial in the long run.
On the other hand, Tulane's loss may hinder their tournament aspirations. As a Quadrant 3 loss, it may not be devastating, but it does highlight the Green Wave's need to perform consistently against comparable opponents. With a current net ranking of 205, Tulane must string together some impressive wins to bolster their resume and stay in the tournament conversation. The Green Wave's performance against UAB serves as a reminder that they still have work to do to establish themselves as a legitimate contender.
As the season progresses, both teams want to build on this result. UAB's win over Tulane demonstrates their potential to compete against strong opponents, and they will aim to carry this momentum forward. For Tulane, the loss serves as a learning experience, and they must regroup and refocus in order to achieve their goals. The outcome of this game may have real consequences for the tournament chances of both teams, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in the coming weeks.